Michelin to end production of specific tire lines at two sites

CLERMONT-FERRAND, France (June 17)—Groupe Michelin plans to cease production of specific tire lines at two plants in France—truck tires at Poitiers and 13-inch passenger and light truck tires at Bourges—in what the company calls an adjustment of production. The phase-outs will affect 190 jobs in Poitiers and 163 in Bourges, but will not involve any compulsory job cuts, a Michelin spokeswoman said. Redeployment will be offered to 50 and 160 employees at Poitiers and Bourges, respectively, with retirement accounting for the remaining jobs, she said. Employees from the two plants will have first priority for around 100 new positions being created at Michelin's car and truck tire factory in Tours, the spokeswoman added. "The production lines (to be closed) no longer meet the demands of today's market," a Michelin representative said, noting trends toward larger and lower profile truck tires and 16-inch passenger and light truck tires.